Mayhem - Definition - Law Dictionary Home Dictionary Definition mayhem

Definition :

Mayhem, the deprivation of a member proper for defence in fight, as an arm, leg, finger, eye, or a fore-tooth; yet not a jawtooth, or an ear, or a nose, because they have been supposed to be of no use infighting. One circumstance peculiar to an action for mayhem was that the Court might, on view of the wound increase the damages awarded by the jury, 3 Salk. 115. See (English) Offences against the Person Act, 1861 (24 & 25 Vict. c. 100), ss. 18, 29.

Mayhemavit (he has maimed).